Introduction by Richard Attenborough

“Have you seen Giles today?”

However often the question is put, one thing is certain, it is instantly explicit to all. That, surely, is the measure of the outstanding hold which this brilliant artist has secured so firmly on the affections of an entire nation. For each one of us his genius is a source of constant, untold delight. Genius? Yes, indeed! For this term, which has unfortunately been sadly devalued by its careless and unwarranted use on too many occasions, can unhesitatingly be applied to Giles. His utterly unique ability to create and interpret those universally beloved characters — his unerring skill in endowing them with all the foibles and quirks we joyfully recognise in ourselves, not to mention in each other! — his miraculous attention to every last felicitous detail — above all the tremendous, heartwarming humanity of the man — these are but a few of the many outstanding gifts which he shares so prolifically with us all.

I am profoundly grateful to have been given this opportunity to say “Thank you, Giles, for the countless moments of pure joy you have given, not only to me, but to millions and millions of others”.